Thousands attend Catholic Community’s threefold celebration

TWO thousand Catholics gathered at the National Stadium last Sunday for a threefold celebration: the Tenth Anniversary of the Ordination of Vincent Darius as Bishop, the inauguration of the Year of Faith proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI (October 2012 to November 2013) and the formal proclamation of the Decrees of the First Diocesan Synod of the Diocese of St. George’s-in-Grenada.

From left: Papal Nuncio Archbishop Girasoli,
Bishop Vincent Darius and Archbishop Robert Rivas.

The achievements of Bishop Darius, who just recently returned from a long absence due to illness, were illustrated in a half-hour dramatic presentation written by Sr. Gabrielle Mason and directed by Ricardo Keens-Douglas and Fr. Hugh Logan.

The high point of the day was the Solemn Liturgy, at which Papal Nuncio Archbishop Nicola Girasoli was the homilist. The archbishop challenged the Diocese – bishop, priests and laity – to embrace the new-evangelisation in the Year of Faith. Quoting Pope Benedict XVI, he said: “The Year of Faith is a year of ‘Amen’ and ‘Alleluia’. The ‘Amen’ is an affirmation of our belief as Catholic Christians and ‘Alleluia’ a proclamation of the joy we have in sharing it with others.”

He called on all to “renew with enthusiasm” our understanding of the faith and to evaluate ways in which we teach it in all institutions of the diocese.

Amidst the enthusiastic applause, the Apostolic Nuncio stressed the importance of the role of priests. “Without priests there can be no Sacraments, no Eucharist and ultimately, no Catholic Church,” he continued. “We need priests who are full of enthusiasm. Priests need the love and support of the Bishop and the people.”

He also stressed the need for total transparency in all Church affairs, and especially in finance, at all levels. He urged the laity and especially the youth, to “be bold, be active, not just present in the Church”.

A section of the crowd at the Catholic Rally.

Speaking in the afternoon session, Archbishop Robert Rivas urged the Church in Grenada to make a “preferential option for youth”. He stressed the need for bold leadership on the part of the bishop and priests in their ministry and he called for total support for Bishop Darius as he leads the
diocese into the future.

In his charge to the diocese, Bishop Darius took his theme from Revelation 21:5: “Behold, I make all things new.” He continued, “If the Synod is to be a success, each member of the Church must do his/her part to implement the resolutions in the three areas of priority: Evangelisation, Stewardship and Youth.”

Having thanked all those who worked so hard to make the synod a success, he emphasised the fact that we have a wealth of talents, skills and abilities within the members of our parishes, which must be harnessed as we work “to make our Church vibrant, nourished by the word of God and the Eucharist”. (LS)